Albion exploited Everton’s discomfort with the different tactical demands made by new boss Martinez’s fresh approach, their rigid discipline in midfield and athletic courage in defence offering the perfect support to the point-delivering form of Ben Foster in goal.

Goodison seems a less ­intimidating place as Everton replace their typical passionate approach with a more considered passing style. Yet afterwards, inevitably, the ­questions lingered on the future of Baines and Fellaini.

Tim Howard, a late Everton hero with a quite remarkable save to deny West Brom an unjust victory, said: “To be fair to Felli and Baines, you look at some other clubs and they have got some idiots. A team becomes interested in them and they don’t turn up for training.

“That’s not these guys. They work every day as if their life depended on it.”

The American keeper is more concerned with his team’s adjustment to a more subtle style.

Tim Howard has been impressed by Baines and Fellaini's attitude (Image: Paul Thomas)

“I don’t think we can ever lose that rough and tumble mentality because that has always been a fear factor for teams going to Goodison,” he added. “There is a cultural change needed and it doesn’t happen overnight. The manager has come in and had to convince 20 players and now we have to convince 40,000 fans. But it is a good style, we have all bought into it.”

The home fans would have seen a victory but Fellaini and Coleman were denied by the ­woodwork late on, and Foster made wonderful saves from Mirallas, Barkley and Coleman.

It was such a shame the keeper departed with an ankle injury that could be a serious one.

In his absence, Luke Daniels finally got a Premier appearance after patiently waiting so long at Albion he has become their longest-serving player. Two saves showed his ability, now he is hoping to step up at the age of 25.

“I considered moving on in the summer. I don’t like sitting around and not playing football,” he said.

“But I spend all the weeks working hard, hoping that an opportunity will come. I knew I was only one injury from playing in the Premier League, which is where I want to be.”